Jumpless phase modulation in a polar modulation environment

ABSTRACT

A circuit includes a phase shifter configured to selectively shift a phase of a baseband phase signal in accordance with a zero crossing signal to output a selectively phase-shifted signal, a phase modulator configured to provide a phase modulated carrier signal in accordance with the selectively phase-shifted signal, and an inverter configured to selectively invert the phase modulated carrier signal in accordance with the zero crossing signal.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of co-pending application Ser. No.12/233,318, which was filed on Sep. 18, 2008. The entire contents of theco-pending Application are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Digital communications use a variety of carrier signal modulationschemes. Numerous of these utilize in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q)signals to modulate baseband information onto a radio frequency (RF)carrier. The respective I and Q signals are phase-orthogonal to oneanother and are readily represented in a Cartesian coordinate system.However, noise filtering and other performance considerations havemotivated the development of other modulation schemes known as polarmodulation. Therein, time-varying amplitude (A) and phase angle (ED)signals are used to modulate baseband information onto a RF carrier.Polar modulation generally achieves better signal quality and lesselectrical current consumption compared to IQ modulation techniques.

FIG. 1 graphically depicts an illustrative polar modulation scheme inaccordance with known techniques for a four-symbol digital communicationenvironment. Digital baseband information—that is, the digitalintelligence to be modulated onto a carrier wave—is represented by atime-varying amplitude signal 100 and a time-varying phase signal 102.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting an illustrative polar modulationsystem 200 in accordance with known techniques. The system 200 includesa phase modulator 202 configured to modulate the phase of a radiofrequency (RF) carrier signal in accordance with a baseband phase signalinput. The system 200 also includes a mixer 204 that receives the phasemodulated RF carrier signal from the phase modulator 202. The system 200further includes an amplitude modulator 206 configured to provide anamplitude modulation signal to the mixer 204 in accordance with abaseband amplitude signal input. The mixer 204 modulates the amplitudeof the phase modulated RF carrier signal in accordance with theamplitude modulation signal from the amplitude modulator 206. The mixer204 thus provides a polar modulated carrier signal.

Returning to FIG. 1, the illustrative polar modulated carrier signal isgraphically depicted in a constellation diagram 104. The constellationdiagram 104 includes four, two-bit digital symbols 106, 108, 110 and112, respectively. In this way, the constellation diagram 104 can bereferred to as a constellation of four symbols 106-112, each representedby a particular polar modulation of the RF carrier signal. Under thepresent illustration, a stream of digital baseband information ismodulated onto an RF carrier signal one symbol—two digital bits—at atime. It is important to note that a polar modulation system (e.g.,system 200) must be able to accommodate “zero crossings” of the digitalbaseband information during such an operation.

By way of example, and not limitation, the constellation diagram 104depicts an operational instance wherein the digital information “1100”is modulated onto the RF carrier signal. Thus, the symbol 106 and thenthe symbol 110 must be sequentially modulated onto the RF carrier. Indoing so, the baseband amplitude signal 100 swings from full value, tozero, and then back to full value in the time domain, an operationreadily accommodated by the amplitude modulator (e.g., 206). However,the baseband phase signal 102 is required to instantaneously shiftone-hundred eighty degrees in the time domain—a situation referred toherein as a “zero crossing” scenario. As a result, a compliant phasemodulator (e.g., 202) must accommodate nearly infinitefrequencies—something impossible to realize thus far without distortionsdue to the limited bandwidth inherent to known real-worldimplementations. While the illustrative polar modulation scenariodescribed above is set in the context of four digital symbols, it is tobe appreciated that other polar modulation schemes (and theircorresponding constellations) having other symbol counts (e.g., eight,sixteen, etc.) are contemplated herein.

FIG. 3 graphically depicts phase modulator 202 output signalcharacteristics during zero crossing by way of respective signal plots302 and 304. In any case, polar modulation methods and systems thataddress the foregoing considerations are desirable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberidentifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Theuse of the same reference numbers in different instances in thedescription and the figures may indicate similar or identical items.

FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting polar modulation signals in accordanceknown techniques.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting a polar modulation system accordingto known techniques.

FIG. 3 includes two signal diagrams according to known techniques.

FIG. 4 is a polar modulation system according to the present teachings.

FIG. 5 includes two signal timing diagrams according to the presentteachings.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram depicting operational steps in accordance withthe present teachings.

FIG. 7 is another polar modulation system in accordance with the presentteachings.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram depicting an apparatus in accordance with thepresent teachings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are improved techniques for improving the performanceof a polar modulator. Techniques in accordance with the presentdisclosure may advantageously improve operating bandwidth whentransmitting digital information by way of a polar modulated carriersignal. In general, such techniques are useful in a wide range ofapplications, including wireless Internet access, audio and/or videocommunications, and so on.

According to one implementation, a circuit is disclosed. The circuit maycomprise at least a phase shifter, a phase modulator, and an inverter.The phase shifter selectively shifts a phase of a baseband phase signalone hundred eighty degrees in accordance with a zero crossing signal tooutput a selectively phase-shifted signal. The phase modulator providesa phase modulated carrier signal in accordance with the selectivelyphase-shifted signal. The inverter selectively inverts the phasemodulated carrier signal in accordance with the zero crossing signal.

According to another implementation, a modulation circuit is disclosed.The modulation circuit may comprise a phase shifter, a phase-lock loop,a variable controlled oscillator, and a switch. The phase shifter isconfigured to selectively shift a phase of a baseband phase signal onehundred eighty degrees in accordance with a zero crossing signal tooutput a selectively phase-shifted signal. The phase-lock loop isconfigured to provide a phase modulation signal in accordance with theselectively phase-shifted signal. The variable controlled oscillator isconfigured to provide a differential phase modulated signal inaccordance with the phase modulation signal, the differential phasemodulated signal provided by way of a first node and a second node. Theswitch is configured to selectively route the differential phasemodulated signal from the first node and the second node to a third nodeand a fourth node in accordance with a zero crossing input signal.

According to still another implementation, a method is performed atleast in part by an electronic circuit. The method includes selectivelyshifting a phase of a baseband phase signal one hundred eighty degreesin accordance with a zero crossing signal to output a selectivelyphase-shifted signal. The method also includes deriving a phasemodulated radio frequency carrier signal from the selectivelyphase-shifted signal. The method further includes selectively invertingthe phase modulated radio frequency carrier signal in accordance withthe zero crossing signal.

In yet another implementation, an apparatus includes a source ofelectrical energy. The electronic circuit also includes an electroniccircuit coupled to the source of electrical energy. The electroniccircuit is configured to selectively shift a phase of a baseband phasesignal one hundred eighty degrees in accordance with a zero crossingsignal, derive a phase modulated radio frequency carrier signal, andselectively invert the phase modulated radio frequency carrier signal inaccordance with the zero crossing signal. The electronic circuit isfurther configured to derive an amplitude modulated signal from abaseband amplitude signal and mix the selectively inverted phasemodulated carrier signal with the amplitude modulated signal so as toderive a polar modulated carrier signal.

Circuits and other functional aspects provided herein can be fabricated,at least in part, on a common substrate such that one or more respectiveintegrated circuit devices are defined. In one or more implementations,at least a portion of the functional subject matter presented herein canbe fabricated within a 130, 90, 65, 45, or 32 nanometer (or smaller)environment.

The techniques described herein may be implemented in a number of ways.Illustrative context is provided below with reference to the includedfigures and ongoing discussion.

First Illustrative Implementation

FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting a polar modulation system 400 inaccordance with the present teachings. The system 400 includes a phaseshifter 401 and a phase modulator 402. The phase shifter 401 isconfigured to selectively shift the phase of a baseband phase signalΦ(t) one hundred eighty degrees in accordance with the instantaneousstate of a zero crossing input signal to output a selectivelyphase-shifted signal. The phase of the baseband phase signal isselectively shifted one hundred eighty degrees to output a selectivelyphase-shifted signal when zero crossing occurs. The baseband phase ofthe baseband phase signal is not shifted when no zero crossing occurs.The signal Φ(t) is time-variant and corresponds to a predefined digitalsymbol modulation scheme (constellation). The phase modulator 402 isconfigured to modulate the phase of an RF carrier signal in accordancewith the selectively phase-shifted signal.

The system 400 also includes an amplitude inverter 404. The amplitudeinverter 404 is configured to selectively invert (i.e., swap polarities,or “flip”) the amplitude characteristic of the phase modulated RFcarrier signal in accordance with the instantaneous state of a zerocrossing input signal. The overall operation of the system is asfollows. When zero crossing occurs, the baseband phase signal Φ(t)undergoes a phase shift of one hundred eighty degrees, phase modulation,and amplitude inversion. When zero crossing does not occur, the basebandphase signal Φ(t) undergoes only phase modulation without undergoing aphase shift of one hundred eighty degrees or amplitude inversion. Thestate of the zero crossing signal can be determined according to thenext required polar modulation dictated by the digital basebandinformation stream. By example, and not by limitation, a look-up tableor state machine (not shown) designed in accordance with thecorresponding symbol constellation can be used to provide the zerocrossing signal. The zero crossing signal is time-synchronized with thebaseband phase signal Φ(t). In one or more implementations, the zerocrossing signal is provided as a single-bit digital signal, such as “0”representing no zero crossing and “1” representing zero crossing or nearzero crossing (see discussion below), or vice versa. In any case, thezero crossing signal is readily derived, the phase of the baseband phasesignal is selectively shifted one hundred eighty degrees, and theamplitude inverter 404 selectively inverts the phase-modulated RFcarrier signal accordingly.

Another similar scenario, “near zero crossing” is also considered. A“near zero crossing” occurs when the signal trajectory approaches theorigin of the constellation diagram at a predetermined distance. Acircuit can be designed to detect the distance of the signal trajectoryto the origin of the constellation diagram. When the distance is belowthe predetermined distance, the value of the zero crossing signalchanges from “0” to “1” or vice versa. Also, the zero crossing signalcan be designed in another way. For example, the zero crossing signalcan be a continuous signal, defining the distance of the signaltrajectory to the origin of the constellation diagram, instead of asingle-bit digital signal. In this situation, a “near zero crossing”occurs when the zero crossing signal is smaller than a predeterminedvalue or/and a phase jump bigger than a predetermined value.

The system 400 also includes an amplitude modulator 406. The amplitudemodulator 406 is configured to receive a baseband amplitude signal A(t)and to provide a corresponding amplitude modulation signal. The basebandamplitude signal A(t) is time-variant and corresponds to the samepredefined digital symbol constellation as that of the baseband phasesignal Φ(t). The system further includes a mixer 408. The mixer 408 isconfigured to receive the selectively inverted phase-modulated RFcarrier signal from the amplitude inverter 404 and the amplitudemodulation signal from the amplitude modulator 406. In turn, the mixer408 modulates the amplitude characteristic of the selectively invertedphase-modulated RF carrier signal, thus deriving a polar modulatedcarrier signal. The polar modulated carrier signal can then be furtherprocessed and/or utilized (e.g., power amplified, transmitted as awireless signal, etc.).

When zero crossing occurs, the baseband phase signal Φ(t) has a phasechange of one hundred eighty degrees. However, the phase shifter 401also shifts back one hundred eighty degrees. Therefore, the phase inputto the phase modulator 402 is continuous, without any abrupt changes.Also, even when a near zero crossing occurs, the phase input to thephase modulator 402 is still almost continuous with only a very smallvariation. Thus, the modulation quality is still improved. The result isa modulation system 400 in which the phase modulator 402 can functionwithout the distortion that typically occurs during normal zero crossingoperation. Also, the bandwidth requirements of the phase modulator arerelaxed and modulation quality is improved. Greater overall polarmodulated carrier signal fidelity and data bandwidth (i.e., throughput)are achieved by way of the system 400.

FIG. 5 graphically depicts phase modulator 402 output signalcharacteristics during zero crossing by way of respective signal plots502 and 504.

Illustrative Method

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram depicting a method 600 according to the presentteachings. The method 600 includes particular steps and order ofexecution. However, it is to be understood that other methodsrespectively including other steps, and/or omitting one or more of thedepicted steps, and/or proceeding in other orders of execution may alsobe used in accordance with the present teachings. Therefore, the method600 is illustrative and non-limiting with respect to the operationscontemplated by the present teachings.

At 602, the phase of a baseband phase signal is selectively shifted onehundred eighty degrees in accordance with a zero crossing signal tooutput a selectively phase-shifted signal when zero crossing occurs. Thephase of the baseband phase signal is not shifted when no zero crossingoccurs.

At 604, a phase modulated carrier signal is derived in correspondence tothe selectively phase-shifted signal after the selectively phase-shiftedsignal undergoes phase modulation.

At 606, the amplitude characteristic of the phase modulated carriersignal derived at 604 above is selectively inverted in accordance withthe zero crossing signal. As used herein, inversion refers to flippingthe polarity (or sign) of the carrier signal with respect to itsoriginal polarity. However, the instantaneous time-rate-of-change of thephase modulated carrier signal, in the absolute sense, is not affected.The inverted signal is essentially a mirror image of the original phasemodulated signal. In any case, either the original (non-inverted) or theinverted phase modulated carrier signal is routed on for furtherprocessing in accordance with the method 600.

At 608, an amplitude modulation signal is derived in accordance with abaseband amplitude signal. The amplitude modulation signal correspondsto the same digital symbol constellation as that used at 604 above.

At 610, the amplitude characteristic of the (original or inverted) phasemodulated carrier signal is modulated in accordance with the amplitudemodulation signal derived at 608 above. In so doing, a polar modulatedcarrier signal is derived. The polar modulated carrier signalcorresponds to a predetermined digital symbol constellation (e.g., foursymbols, eight symbols, etc.). As such, the polar modulated carriersignal conveys a stream of digital information in accordance with apredetermined communications protocol.

At 612, the polar modulated carrier signal is used to perform a wirelessfunction used for all digital modulation standards, such as UniversalMobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and Long Term Evolution (LTE).By way of example, and not by limitation, the polar modulated carriersignal is used to facilitate an Internet browsing session by way of acellular telephone and a cellular services infrastructure (i.e., serviceprovider). Any number of other illustrative and non-limiting usagescenarios can also be performed using the polar modulated carrier signalgenerating in accordance with the method 600.

Second Illustrative Implementation

FIG. 7 is a block diagram depicting another implementation of polarmodulation system 700 in accordance with the present teachings. Thesystem 700 includes a phase shifter 701 and a phase lock loop (PLL) 702.The phase shifter 701 is configured to selectively to shift the phase ofa baseband phase signal Φ(t) one hundred eighty degrees to output aselectively phase-shifted signal in accordance with the instantaneousstate of a zero crossing input signal. When zero crossing occurs, thebaseband phase signal Φ(t) undergoes a phase shift of one hundred eightydegrees. When no zero crossing occurs, the phase of the baseband phasesignal Φ(t) is not shifted. The PLL 702 is configured to receiveselectively phase-shifted signal. The PLL 702 is further configured togenerate and provide a phase modulation signal to a variable controlledoscillator (VCO) 704 of the system 700.

The system 700 also includes the VCO 704 as introduced above. The VCO704 is configured to provide a phase modulated carrier (output) signalin response to the phase modulation signal from the PLL 702. In turn,the phase modulated carrier signal from the VCO 704 is coupled back tothe PLL 702 and is used to regulate the phase modulation signalgenerated thereby. In this way, a feedback control relationship isestablished and the PLL 702 and the VCO 704 cooperatively define a phasemodulator.

It is important to note that the VCO 704 provides the phase modulatedcarrier signal as a differential or “floating” output signal by way ofrespective nodes 706 and 708. In one implementation, the VCO 704 isconfigured such that node 706 is always of positive electrical polarityrelative to node 708. Other implementations employing other polarityconfigurations of nodes 706 and 708 can also be used. In any case, thephase modulated carrier signal provided by the VCO 704 can be coupled to(or accessed) in an inverted or non-inverted manner.

The system 700 includes a crossover switch (switch) 710. The switch 710is configured to selectively couple the phase modulated carrier signalas provided at nodes 706 and 708 to a pair of switch 710 output nodes712 and 714, respectively, in accordance with the instantaneous state ofa zero crossing signal (ZCS). In one implementation, the zero crossingsignal is a single-bit digital signal. In one illustrative andnon-limiting implementation, the switch 710 is configured to operateaccording to TABLE 1 below:

TABLE 1 ZCS Node 706 Coupling Node 708 Coupling Output State 0 Node 712Node 714 Non-Inverted 1 Node 714 Node 712 Inverted

Thus, in accordance with TABLE 1 above, the switch 710 couples (i.e.,connects) node 706 directly to node 712, and couples node 708 directlyto node 714, in response to a “0” (i.e., non-inverted) state of the zerocrossing signal. Conversely, the switch 710 couples node 706 directly tonode 714, and couples node 708 directly to node 712, in response to a“1” (i.e., inverted) state of the zero crossing signal. Otherimplementations of the crossover switch 710 can also be used. In anycase, the switch 710 is configured to selectively invert the phasemodulated carrier signal presented at output nodes 712 and 714 under thecontrol of the zero crossing signal.

The system 700 also includes an amplitude modulator 716. The amplitudemodulator 716 is configured to receive a baseband amplitude signal A(t)and provide (i.e., output) a corresponding amplitude modulation signal.The system 700 further includes a mixer 718. The mixer 718 is configuredto receive the selectively inverted phase modulated carrier signal atnodes 712 and 714 and the amplitude modulation signal from the amplitudemodulator 716 and provide (i.e., output) a polar modulated carriersignal. The polar modulated carrier signal corresponds to apredetermined digital symbol constellation (e.g., four symbols, eightsymbols, sixteen symbols, etc.).

The system 700 is illustrative of a polar modulation system (orcircuitry) in accordance with the present teachings. In this system, thephase input to the phase modulator 402 is continuous, without any abruptchanges. As a result, overall signal distortion is reduced and datathroughput is increased under system 700 relative to that of known polarmodulation techniques (e.g., system 200).

Illustrative Apparatus

FIG. 8 is a block diagrammatic view depicting a wireless device (i.e.,apparatus) 800 including aspects of the present teachings. For purposesof non-limiting example, the wireless device 800 is presumed to includevarious resources that are not specifically depicted in the interest ofclarity. The wireless device 800 is further presumed to be configured toperform in one or more wireless operating modes (e.g., cellularcommunications, global positioning system (GPS), UMTS and LTEreceptions, etc.).

The wireless device 800 includes a circuit 802. The circuit 802includes, among other possible features, a polar modulator 804. Thepolar modulator 804 is configured to perform in accordance with thepresent teachings. Thus, the polar modulator 804 can be implemented byway of the polar modulation system 400 or the polar modulation system700. Other implementations in accordance with the present teachings canalso be used. In any case, the polar modulator 804 provides a polarmodulated radio frequency (RF) carrier signal configured to conveydigital information in accordance with a predetermined digital symbolconstellation.

The wireless device 800 further includes a source of electrical energyor “power source” 806. In one or more implementations, the power source806 is defined by one or more batteries. In other implementations, thepower source 806 may be defined by an inductively coupled power supplythat is energized by an electromagnetic illumination field provided bysome entity external to the wireless device 800. Other types of powersource 806 may also be used. In any case, the power source 806 iscoupled so as to provide electrical energy to the circuit 802. In thisway, the wireless device 800 is presumed to be operable in a portablemanner.

The wireless device 800 further includes an antenna 808. The wirelessdevice 800 is presumed to operate by way of wireless signals 810,including the polar modulated carrier signal discussed immediatelyabove, between the antenna 808 and a wireless network 812. A singlecellular tower 812 is depicted in the interest of simplicity. However,it is to be understood that other resources (not shown) of acorresponding wireless network are also present and operative as neededso as to enable the wireless device 800 to perform its various functions(cellular communications, Internet access, etc.). The wireless device800 is a general and non-limiting example of countless devices andsystems that may be configured and operating in accordance with themeans and techniques of the present teachings.

Conclusion

For the purposes of this disclosure and the claims that follow, theterms “coupled” and “connected” have been used to describe how variouselements interface. Such described interfacing of various elements maybe either direct or indirect. Although the subject matter has beendescribed in language specific to structural features and/ormethodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matterdefined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to thespecific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features andacts are disclosed as preferred forms of implementing the claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A circuit, comprising: a phase shifterconfigured to selectively shift a phase of a baseband phase signal inaccordance with a zero crossing signal to output a selectivelyphase-shifted signal; a phase modulator configured to provide a phasemodulated carrier signal in accordance with the selectivelyphase-shifted signal; and an inverter configured to selectively invertthe phase modulated carrier signal in accordance with the zero crossingsignal.
 2. The circuit according to claim 1, wherein a phase of theselectively phase-shifted signal is continuous when the circuit detectszero crossing or near zero crossing in a constellation diagram.
 3. Thecircuit according to claim 1, wherein the zero crossing signalcorresponds to a zero crossing event within a predetermined polarmodulation scheme.
 4. The circuit according to claim 1, wherein thebaseband phase signal corresponds to a digital information stream. 5.The circuit according to claim 1 further comprising: an amplitudemodulator configured to provide an amplitude modulated signal inaccordance with a baseband amplitude signal; and a mixer configured tomodulate an amplitude characteristic of the selectively inverted phasemodulated signal in accordance with the amplitude modulated signal so asto derive a polar modulated carrier signal.
 6. The circuit according toclaim 5, wherein the baseband amplitude signal corresponds to a digitalinformation stream.
 7. The circuit according to claims 1, wherein thephase shifter is configured to selectively shift the phase of thebaseband phase signal one hundred eight degrees in accordance with thezero crossing signal to output the selectively phase-shifted signal. 8.A modulation circuit, comprising: a phase shifter configured toselectively shift a phase of a baseband phase signal in accordance witha zero crossing signal to output a selectively phase-shifted signal; aphase-lock loop configured to provide a phase modulation signal inaccordance with the selectively phase-shifted signal; a variablecontrolled oscillator configured to provide a differential phasemodulated signal in accordance with the phase modulation signal, thedifferential phase modulated signal provided by way of a first node anda second node; and a switch configured to selectively route thedifferential phase modulated signal from the first node and the secondnode to a third node and a fourth node in accordance with the zerocrossing signal.
 9. The modulation circuit according to claim 8, whereinthe switch is further defined by a crossover switch configured to:couple the first node to the third node and couple the second node tothe fourth node in response to a first state of the zero crossing inputsignal; and couple the first node to the fourth node and couple thesecond node to the third node in response to a second state of the zerocrossing input signal.
 10. The modulation circuit according to claim 9,further comprising: an amplitude modulator configured to provide anamplitude modulation signal in accordance with an amplitude inputsignal; and a mixer coupled to the third node and the fourth node, themixer configured to mix the differential phase modulated signal and theamplitude modulation signal so as to derive a polar modulated carriersignal.
 11. The modulation circuit according to claim 10, wherein: thebaseband phase signal and the amplitude input signal respectivelycorrespond to a digital baseband signal; and the zero crossing signalcorresponds to a zero crossing event within a predetermined polarmodulation scheme.
 12. The modulation circuit according to claim 8,wherein the modulation circuit is configured to operate in accordancewith a digital symbol constellation of at least four symbols.
 13. Themodulation circuit according to claim 8, wherein a phase of theselectively phase-shifted signal is continuous when the circuit detectszero crossing or near zero crossing in a constellation diagram.
 14. Themodulation circuit according to claim 8, wherein the modulation circuitis at least partially defined by an integrated circuit.
 15. Themodulation circuit according to claim 8, wherein the phase shifter isconfigured to selectively shift the phase of the baseband phase signalone hundred and eight degrees in accordance with the zero crossingsignal to output the selectively phase-shifted signal.
 16. A method,comprising: selectively shifting a phase of a baseband phase signal inaccordance with a zero crossing signal to output a selectivelyphase-shifted signal; deriving a phase modulated radio frequency carriersignal from the selectively phase-shifted signal; and selectivelyinverting the phase modulated radio frequency carrier signal inaccordance with the zero crossing signal.
 17. The method according toclaim 16, wherein: the phase modulated radio frequency carrier signal isfurther defined by a differential phase modulated radio frequencycarrier signal provided at a first electrical node and a secondelectrical node; the selectively inverting the phase modulated radiofrequency carrier signal includes selectively coupling the firstelectrical node to either a third electrical node or a fourth electricalnode according to the zero crossing signal; and the selectivelyinverting the phase modulated radio frequency carrier signal alsoincludes selectively coupling the second electrical node to either thefourth electrical node or the third electrical node according to thezero crossing signal.
 18. The method according to claim 16, furthercomprising: deriving an amplitude modulated signal from an amplitudeinput signal; and mixing the selectively inverted phase modulationsignal and the amplitude modulated signal so as to derive a polarmodulated radio frequency carrier signal.
 19. The method according toclaim 16, wherein selectively shifting the phase of the baseband phasesignal selectively shifts the phase of the baseband phase signal onehundred eighty degrees in accordance with the zero crossing signal tooutput the selectively phase-shifted signal.
 20. An apparatus,comprising: a source of electrical energy; and an electronic circuitcoupled to the source of electrical energy, the electronic circuitconfigured to: selectively shift a phase of a baseband phase signal inaccordance with a zero crossing signal to output a selectivelyphase-shifted signal; derive a phase modulated carrier signal from theselectively phase-shifted signal; selectively invert the phase modulatedsignal in accordance with the zero crossing signal; derive an amplitudemodulated signal from a baseband amplitude signal; and mix theselectively inverted phase modulated carrier signal with the amplitudemodulated signal so as to derive a polar modulated carrier signal. 21.The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the apparatus is configuredto perform one or more wireless functions using the polar modulatedcarrier signal.
 22. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein thebaseband phase-shifted signal and the baseband amplitude signalrespectively correspond to a digital information stream.
 23. Theapparatus according to claim 20, wherein the zero crossing signalcorresponds to zero crossing event within a predetermined polarmodulation scheme, the polar modulation scheme defined by aconstellation of at least four digital symbols.
 24. The apparatusaccording to claim 20, wherein the selectively shifting of the phase ofthe baseband phase signal shifts the phase one hundred eighty degrees inaccordance with the zero crossing signal to output the selectivelyphase-shifted signal.